Windspeaker Media Hosts Inaugural Listener Appreciation Concert & BBQ

Since 1985 Windspeaker Radio Network has been broadcasting Indigenous content while supporting Indigenous artists.

To thank the thousands of supporters who tune in to CFWE North, CJWE South, 89.3 The Raven, Cuzin Radio and Radio Bingo, we called a few friends, rolled out the grill and hosted approximately 300 guests in the Windspeaker Media parking lot in Edmonton.

There were live performances from artists like Ashley Ghostkeeper, Jay Gilday, Robin Cisek, Chelsie Young, Jim Cardinal, Kyle Desjarlais and Kaeley Jade.

The live performances where being broadcasted across the province of Alberta.

At the Barbecue, Founder and CEO Dr. Bert Crowfoot shared his reaction to seeing the large number of guests at the celebration.

Photo of Dr. Bert Crowfoot CEO/Founder of Windspeaker Media

CFWE has been broadcasting for 37-years and for many listeners, it is the station they grew up with. One listener Barbara Bruce shared how CFWE is part of her and her family’s daily life.

Indigenous language is a vital part of the Windspeaker identity with shows like Cree chatter hour, conversational Blackfoot, Dene, and Stoney Nakoda. On June 17, Windspeaker Media along with the Indigenous Edmonton Entertainment Group, organized an Indigenous Celebration Night with the Edmonton Stingers who are part of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL).

Their game against the Montreal Alliance was broadcasted English & Cree on Edmonton’s station 89.3 The Raven.

President and CEO of the Edmonton Stingers Reed Clarke and Marketing and Communications Manger Alex Jap were presented two one of a kind Stinger beaded medallions to thank the Stingers for not just work in the community but also, the organizations efforts in Reconciliation.

Photo of President and CEO of the Edmonton Stingers Reed Clarke (right) and Marketing and Communications Manger Alex Jap (left)

With artists performing on the Windspeaker Radio Network Stage, singer and songwriter Chelsie Young who grew up listening to CFWE whenever she would visit her mooshom’s house. Shares why playing on the stage was more than just another gig.

Photo of Chelsie Young

Playing on the Windspeaker stage according to singer and guitar player Kyle Desjarlais, member of Rock’n’fiddle from Lac La Biche. Playing on the stage is like coming home and playing for your family for night of celebration.

Photo of Kyle Desjarlais

Singer-song writer Ashely Ghostkeeper shares how playing at Windspeaker Radio Network’s stage was a dream come true as one of the youngest artists to take the stage. Had the opportunity to included with other Indigenous Artists who she grew up with.

Photo of Ashely Ghostkeeper

As the Summer kicks off make sure to stay tuned to Windspeaker Radio Network for all Alberta artists and check out the events calendar for each station to find an upcoming event.

Want us on the go? Download the Windspeaker Media App to tune into each station at any time and even call “BINGO”. The app is available on both android and IOS devices.

Thank you everyone for coming out and thank you for all your support across Alberta!

See photos from the event below.